The castle served as the seat of the O'Flaherty family, who were once known as the 'fearsome pirates' of Lough Corrib.
A 'murder hole' exists directly above the entrance to allow defenders to drop projectiles on intruders.
The name Aughnanure derives from the Irish 'Achadh na nIúr', meaning 'Field of the Yews'.
The castle features a hidden stone staircase built into the thickness of the wall for emergency access between floors.
It was granted to the O'Flahertys by the Anglo-Norman De Burgo family, cementing a complex political alliance in the 1500s.
The tower house retains an original stone-vaulted ceiling on the ground floor, which was used for secure storage.
The site includes the remains of a watchtower that provided clear lines of sight across the marshy terrain of the Drimneen River.
Aughnanure Castle is a 16th-century tower house built by the O'Flaherty clan, positioned on a rocky outcrop overlooking the Drimneen River. The site features a well-preserved six-storey tower house and a double bawn wall, which are remnants of a once-extensive defensive complex. Visitors can access the main hall via a spiral stone staircase, highlighting traditional Gaelic fortification architecture. The site includes a rare surviving 'banqueting hall' located on the second floor, which retains original structural elements. Defensive features such as murder holes, a concealed staircase, and a gatehouse remain intact. The castle is managed by the Office of Public Works, ensuring protected access to the interior rooms. It sits at the edge of Lough Corrib, providing a strategic view of the surrounding Connemara landscape. Excavations have revealed evidence of earlier medieval structures within the outer courtyard area.
The view from the lower garden looking back up at the castle and the river provides the best framing of the tower's height.
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear as the historic stone floors and spiral stairs can be uneven or slippery.
Bring a windproof jacket as the site is exposed to Atlantic breezes coming off Lough Corrib.
Explore the riverside path outside the main walls to see the full defensive layout of the bawn from below.
Do not attempt to climb the internal spiral staircase if you have mobility issues or a fear of confined spaces.
The site is typically closed during the winter months; check seasonal openings before traveling.
Avoid leaning on or touching historic stone carvings; stick to designated visitor paths to protect the masonry.
